Beverly Eckert, September 11 Widow

I grew up in Rockville Centre, New York, a commuter town outside of New York City, that lost more than 20 people on September 11. Two of my classmates from Cornell died in the Twin Towers, as well. The day was a black hole for me, and for a long time after it, hearing the words 'September 11", brought back powerful feelings of loss and horror.

Over the past several years, with the phrase "September 11" being tossed around like a political football, the words have lost their impact. It all came rushing back to me this morning, though, when I awakened to hear that Beverly Eckert, widow of Sean Rooney, was killed in a plane crash on her way to announce a scholarship in his name at a high school in Canisius, New York.



Her death has brought out the conspiracy theorists in the blogosphere, as Ms. Eckert had refused the settlement offered to families of 9-11 victims, electing to sue. She stated:

"I've chosen to go to court rather than accept a payoff from the 9/11 victims compensation fund. Instead, I want to know what went so wrong with our intelligence and security systems that a band of religious fanatics was able to turn four U.S passenger jets into an enemy force, attack our cities and kill 3,000 civilians with terrifying ease. I want to know why two 110-story skyscrapers collapsed in less than two hours and why escape and rescue options were so limited.

I am suing because unlike other investigative avenues, including congressional hearings and the 9/11 commission, my lawsuit requires all testimony be given under oath and fully uses powers to compel evidence."

She was a brave woman, who picked herself up after a tragic loss, and used that loss to work for good in the world. She used her the past eight years to work for a cause she believed in. And now, on her way to honor her husband's 50th birthday by setting up a scholarship, she perishes, as he did, in a fiery plane crash. Is there a deeper meaning here? A conspiracy? A government plot?

In my opinion it was just a tragedy--a horrible senseless tragedy--for all the passengers on Continental Flight 3407, and the loved ones that are left behind.

Life is short.

Use each second wisely.